The Myth Of Perfection

Perfection. The ultimate, always desired, unattainable goal. We all want it in some form. Rarely does one hear someone say "I'm striving for average." Yet what is perfection? Is it a universal entity, or something that is completely subjective to each individual? Why does it stress us out so badly when it's supposed to be (theoretically) what will cause the greatest happiness? If someone puts forth their best effort possible under their particular circumstances, but can't quite achieve what others view as the best possible outcome, does that mean that person is doomed to live a life of disappointment?  A life in which they'll never measure up? Why is it so important to so many of us to be the best and most successful according to other's perceptions?

We're bombarded with it daily. Every time we turn on a television and see a commercial, every time we open a magazine, every time someone tells us we can do or be better, every time we look in the mirror and see even a minute flaw that others may not even notice. It's always there. Haunting us. Telling us subconsciously that we don't measure up. Reminding us that we are not everything that "should" be or that we try to be. Why? If you don't look like "this", or live your life like "this", or dress a certain way, or follow a certain thought process, or make straight A's, or achieve a certain level of financial success .... the list goes on and on. It's exhausting.

Perfection is a myth. A horrible, demeaning myth designed by those who probably are in some way dissatisfied or disappointed with their own lives and wish for others to be as dissatisfied and disappointed as they are. No one is perfect in every facet of their life and being. No one goes through their days on this earth without making a single mistake. We all have our great moments, our screw-up moments, and even our awkward moments. It's called being Human.

Personally, I beat myself up constantly over mistakes and "imperfections" of every kind. I'm learning to work on that. To attempt to ignore the voices in every direction around me and work towards what's the best I can be. It isn't easy, but I'm sure it will ultimately be worth it once I get there. Maybe that's what perfection really is. The ability to recognize the naysayers and societal pressure, then simply put forth your best efforts and do what's best for your own life in the end. Thoughts to ponder.

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress